Defense production zone classification signed into law

Henrico Citizen Staff Reports 04/07/11

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signed a number of pieces of legislation into law April 7 at the Virginia Biotechnology Park in Richmond, including Senate Bill 999/House Bill 1822, which creates a separate classification of machinery and tools designed and used directly in manufacturing or processing materials, components or equipment for national defense and authorized localities to create Local Defense Production Zones, within which such machinery and tools could be taxed at a rate less than the rate generally applicable to such materials.

The bill was carried by Senators Walter Stosch and Donald McEachin and Delegate Chris Peace on behalf of Henrico County, which sought the ability to create such a zone to attract defense-based companies to the county.

“This bill will serve as a tool for localities to attract defense companies to their county, city or town," Peace said. "These companies will bring jobs and new industry to the community, while stimulating economic development.”

Peace and Henrico Supervisors Pat O'Bannon and Dick Glover were among the officials who joined McDonnell as he signed the measure into law.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the Hendrick Motorsports No. 88, stopped at Richmond Raceway Aug. 8 in advance of the track’s NASCAR weekend in September. He was joined by five players from the Washington Redskins, who were in town for the team's training camp, which concluded Aug. 14. The day in Richmond gave Earnhardt and the Redskins players an opportunity to see how the athletes compete in their respective sports. > Read more.

The READ Center is a top-200 cause finalist in State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist program, making it eligible to earn a $25,000 grant to support adult literacy in the Richmond region. The 40 organizations from across the nation with the most votes will win grants.

The READ Center, based in Henrico, provides classroom instruction and one-to-one tutoring to adults with very low literacy. > Read more.

The host Glen Allen 14-year-old all-star baseball team won two of its first three games in pool play at the 14-year-old Babe Ruth World Series, which is it hosting at RF&P Stadium in Glen Allen. The team beat the Midwest Plains champions, 9-4, in its first game Aug. 10, then topped the Southwest champions, 7-3, Aug. 11 before dropping a 5-4 result to the Ohio Valley champions. > Read more.

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The Pocahontas Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society will meet at 9 a.m. at Echo Lake Park. This small, scenic park offers a variety of habitats and a surprising diversity of native plants on a half-mile trail around the lake. Bring a light lunch for picnicking in the shade and telling flower stories. To register, contact trip leader Leslie Allanson at 795-7191 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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